I have a theory. Mike Shanahan has become an evil villain called the Collector. Unlike the obese, greasy, balding comic book guy on the Simpsons who
collected female actresses, Shanahan has been collecting first-round busts, no-talents and has-beens.

That, or Jerry Angelo has possessed Shanahan. Either or.

In an off-season where teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys have all dramatically improved themselves,
the Denver Broncos have gotten much worse, thanks to many questionable acquisitions by Shanahan.

The trouble started when Shanahan burned a fourth-round selection in April?s draft by trading it to the Browns for defensive tackle Gerard Warren. The
third overall pick in the 2001 draft, Warren managed just four sacks in 2004 and just 17 in his four-year career.

Apparently, one first-round bust was not enough. Just weeks after the Warren trade, the Broncos signed Courtney Brown, who was cut by the Cleveland
Browns as a cap casualty. Brown, the first player chosen in the 2000 draft, has been more disappointing than Kelsey Grammer?s new sketch show on FOX.
Brown had a grand total of two tackles and zero sacks in 2004. His 17 sacks in his five-year career already qualifies him for the Hall of Shame. Yet,
Brown is expected to take over the starting right defensive end position for 34-year-old Raylee Johnson. Based on Brown?s history in Cleveland, that may
not even happen.

Denver acquired two of Cleveland?s defensive lineman. Why not go for the quartet?

Too late. Shanahan traded 1,240-yard rusher Reuben Droughns to Cleveland on Friday in exchange for the two remaining defensive linemen, Mike Myers and
Ebenezer Ekuban. Myers recorded only one sack last year, and while Ekuban managed eight, trading one of the better running backs in the NFL for Austin
Powers and nine total sacks is a move that would even make Angelo cringe.

Shanahan has made questionable moves in the past, such as signing Jake Plummer to be the franchise?s starting quarterback. Denver?s success in recent
regular seasons is a testament to Shanahan?s brilliant coaching. However, his general managing skills are another story.

Acquiring Cleveland?s entire defensive line by choice is reason enough to put someone away in a mental institution. The Browns were 4-12 in 2004, they
surrendered 4.3 yards per carry to opposing rushers and they accumulated just 32 sacks as a team.

There has to be a logical explanation for the method to Shanahan?s madness. Perhaps someone in the Browns organization slipped him some money so they
could be absolved of a defensive line comprised of two extreme underachievers and two very mediocre linemen. Perhaps someone mislabeled the Browns?
video tape, and Shanahan saw the Jets instead. Or perhaps Shanahan was abducted by aliens and replaced with a clone in a diabolical plan to ruin the
Broncos? organization.

Whatever the reason may be--from the ridiculous to the sublime--Shanahan must be stripped of his general managing duties before he brings Steve Emtman
out of retirement.

GOOD MOVE, BAD MOVE

Deciding whether the various transactions made this week are good or bad moves:

Miami Dolphins: Miami signed cornerback Mario Edwards on Sunday. The signing could spell the end of Patrick Surtain's tenure in Miami. Edwards
is a decent cornerback, but he is not a suitable replacement for Pro Bowler Surtain. Bad Move.

New England Patriots: The Patriots signed former Bears receiver David Terrell to a one-year contract Sunday. Terrell, who has been a first-round
bust, is reunited with Tom Brady. The two had success in Michigan, meaning they should have success together again. And if not, it's only a one-year
deal. Good Move.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tampa Bay acquired Chris Hovan on Friday. Hovan, a former defensive tackle for the Vikings, was benched and subsequently
run out of Minnesota. Hovan, who should thrive in his new environment, offers a proper replacement for Warren Sapp. Good Move.